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!.:>. DLiNLSON 6 COMPANY 



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RUTH 




RUTH AND NAOMI. 



R VT H 



\ P.ir,! IC \! Dlv \M \ I\ Tillvl']' ACTS 

BY 

ANNABEL LAWRENCE 



KntrcHt me not t<> 

And ti> rvJum fror. iftcr Ihce 

For whither thou w ;. 1 .; »;". 

And whcro th<>u liHlKctt. I wUl lodire : 

Thy pciiple »hull be my people. 

And thy (Jod. my G<xl : 

Where thou diett. will I die. 

And there will I be buried ; 

The Lord do to to mr. 

And more alto. 

If auKht but death part theo and me." 

-Ruth 




CHICAGO 
T. S. DEXISOX & COMPANY 

PUDI.ISHERS 



RUTH 4^ 



CHARACTERS. 

BoAz A Wealthy Hebrew 

Elimelech Brother of Boas 

Mahlon Elder Son of Elimelech 

Chilion Younger Son of Elimelech 

Benjamin Chief Servant of Boa:: 

Priest Officer of the Temple 

Groomsman Master of Wedding Festivities 

^^^^ 1 Moabite Women 

Orpha j 

Naomi Wife of Elimelech 

Neighbor Women, Virgins, and Friends of Bridegroom. 

Note: — The characters of Elimelech and the Priest may be 
played by the same person, as may also Mahlon, Benjamin and 
the Groomsman, thus reducing the cast of principal characters 
to 4 males and 3 females. 

Act First. The home In Bethlehem. Naomi is dis- 
tressed because of the famine. Elimelech. and family decide 
to fiee into Moab. 

Act Second. A flower garden in Moab. Plans are made 
for a double wedding. Three widows. Ruth refuses to 
leave Naomi, and accompanies her to Bethlehem. 

Act Third. Home of the wealthy Boaz in Bethlehem. 
Ruth gleans in the barley field of Boaz. Marriage of Boaz 
and Ruth. 

Time — When the Judges Ruled over Israel 
Place — The Holy Land. 



Time of Playing — About One and Three-quarter hours. 



copyright, 1916, BY EBEN H. NOg^S. 

NOV -4 1916' 
©C1.D 4 5360 



RUTH 3 

STORY OF THE PLAY. 

liiimitcli, a certain Hebrew of lielhlehcm-Judali, t)cc.iiise 
• t the famine in the hnul of Canaan, takes his wife, Naomi, 
.lul tlieir sons. Mahlun and Chihon, ami goes to sojourn 
;i the CDuntry of Mt)al). 

I'.hmelecli (hes in Moal». Mahl. »n and Chilion marry 
Moahite women. Malilon marries Ruth, and Chihon weds 
' )r]iha. I-ater Mahlon and Chihon (he, and Naomi is bereft 
t husband and sons. 

After ten years Naomi receives word that tlic famine in 
Canaan is ended and decides to return to lU'thlehem. She 
talks with her daughters-in-law cojicerninj^ tlie matter and 
advises each of them to return unto the house of her mother. 
( )rpha goes hack to her people, hut Ruth steadfastly refuses 
to leave Naomi and makes the journey with her to Bethle- 
hem. 

Naomi has a kinsman of the family of I-llimelcch, named 
Hoaz. a mighty man of wealth dwelling in Bethlehem. Ruth 
gtK's to glean in the barley field of Boaz. While engaged 
with her work, she is rij)roache<l by one of the reai)ers. 
lioaz passing that way, rebukes the man and shows kind- 
ness to the young woman. Returning to his house, he 
summons his Chief Servant and makes inquiry concern- 
ing the new gleaner. When informed that she is the daugh- 
ter-in-law of Naomi, he sends for Ruth. s|ieaks kindly to 
her and tells her to continue in his field until the end of 
harvest time. 

When the barley season is over, the reapers and the 
maidens have a night of feasting. After the feast. Boaz 
confers with his Chief Servant and tells him that accord- 
ing to the custom in Israel, as a near kinsman of Naomi, it 
is his intention to redeem the land that was Flimelcch's. 
and to take unto himself Ruth, the Moabitess. to be his 
lawful wife. 

Naomi's bitterness turns to joy when Boaz and Ruth arc 
married. From this union is born ( >be(l. the ancestor of 
Davicl. in whose line the promised Messiah i^ to come into 
the world to redeem the i)eople from their sins. 



4 RUTH 

SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. 
ACT FIRST. 

Scene I — The Home in Bethlehem. Naomi weeps be- 
cause of the famine in Canaan. EHmelech decides to take 
his family and flee into Moab beyond Jordan. 

Scene II — Three days later. The family prepares to 
leave Bethlehem. Boaz and neighbor women make a fare- 
well visit. 

ACT SECOND. 

Scene I — A Flower Garden in Moab. Happy lovers. 
Mahlon and Ruth., Chilion and Orpha plan a double wed- 
ding. Naomi grieves over the death of her husband. 

Scene II — Some time later. The three widows. 

Scene III — Ruth and Orpha in the flower garden. Naomi 
brings news that the famine in Canaan is over. She tells 
her daughters-in-law of her intention of going back to Beth- 
lehem, and advises each of them to return unto her mother's 
house. Orpha returns to her people. Ruth clings to Naomi, 
"Entreat me not to leave thee," and together they make 
the journey to Bethlehem; Naomi having sojourned in 
Moab about ten years. 

ACT THIRD. 

Scene I — Home of the Wealthy Boaz in Bethlehem. Re- 
turning from the field, Boaz displays an angry temper be- 
cause one of the reapers has rudely rebuked a maiden who 
is gleaning. He summons his Chief Servant and demands 
an explanation ; discovers that the maiden is Ruth, the 
widow of his nephew, Mahlon, and gives orders that she 
be permitted to glean undisturbed. He talks kindly with 
Ruth, and tells her to continue in his field until the end of 
the barley season. 

Scene II — Several weeks later. Night of the harvest 
feast. Boaz confers with his Chief Servant regarding Ruth ; 
confesses his love .for her, and his intention of making her 
his wife. 



RUTH 5 

Scene III — The Wcililinjj Nipht. Fncnds of the Briilc- 
grooin making merry. Hrjdcjjrooiii aiul I'riciuls ^o forth 
to claim tlic britlc. The Ten X'irj^Miis waiting for the coming 
of the liridcgroom. I lie marriage ceremony. 

From this union is born ( )be(i, the ancestor of David, in 
whose hne tlie promisetl Messiah sliall come into tlie world 
to redeem the people from their sins. 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

Care should be taken in prejiaring the costumes for ihis 
play with a view to t)btaining tlie long, graceful lines of the 
loose, flowing garments of the ancient llebrews. Illustra- 
tions of such costumes may easily be found in Bible story 
books, at church and public libraries. 

Edward Robinson, in his Bible Dictionary, says: "The 
chief garments of the Hebrews were the tunic or inner 
garment, and the mantle or outer garment. The tunic was 
of linen and worn close to the body, it had wide and open 
sleeves and reached below the knees ; that worn by fe- 
males reached to the ankles. The upper garments or mantle 
was a piece of cloth nearly square, and two or three yards 
in length and breadth, which was wrapped around the body 
or tied over the shoulders. Between these two garments, 
the Hebrews sometimes wore a third, a long and wide robe 
or tunic, without sleeves. The head was usually bare, or 
covered by a fold of the outer mantle. The i)riests wore a 
sacred turban. \'cils were an article of female dress. 
Women wore a variety of plain and ornamented head- 
dresses. 

"The wealthy delighted in white raiment, (iarments of 
mourning were dark brown or black. The Hebrews used 
a variety of colors for their gayer and more costly dresses. 
I 'due. scarlet and purple are most frequently referred to, 
the first being a sacred color. 

"In Isaiah iii:16-23. mention is made of the decorations 

ommon to the Hebrew women; among which are included 

tunics, embroidered vests, wide, flowing mantles, girdles, 



RUTH 



veils, caps of network, and metallic ornaments for the ears 
and nOse, for the neck, arms, fingers and ankles; also 
crisping-pins and mirrors. 

"Sandals are usually intended where 'shoes' are spoken 
of in our version. The ordinary sandal is a mere sole, of 
leather or wood, fastened to the bottom of the foot by 
thongs, one passing around the great toe and over the fore 
part of the foot, and the other around the ankle. The 
sandals of females were frequently much ornamented." 

BoAZ — Aged 45. A man of dignified bearing; strong, 
kind, and masterly. Dark hair to shoulders ; dark goatee ; 
dark robe with long mantle. Sandals. 

Elimelech — Kind-hearted, religious old man. Long 
white hair and whiskers ; dark robe and mantle, sandals and 
staff. 

Mahlon — Aged 20. In Act First — Blue tunic, Jjlouse, 
girdle, short cape over shoulders ; cap without bill ; sandals. 

In Act Second — Long robe and long mantle ; dark hair 
worn to shoulders. 

Chilion — Costume same as for Mahlon, but of con- 
trasting color. 

Benjamin — Aged 40. As Chief Servant, he is obedient, 
patient, loyal, and gifted with a sense of humor. He wears 
short tunic with waterpot attached to belt ; short mantle ; 
stafif; long hair. 

Priest — Elderly man with long white hair and whiskers ; 
Loose-fitting robe of dark cloth with light-colored bands 
crossed over front and back of blouse ; no mantle ; light- 
colored band of cloth is used as girdle and has two long 
streamers down front of skirt ; he wears turban and sandals, 
and carries scroll. 

Groomsman — Aged 40. A kindly man, possessed of the 
qualities of a leader. He wears long robe and mantle of 
blue or scarlet. 

Ruth — Aged 20. In Act Second, Scene I, she is a viva- 
cious maiden, wearing white robe and mantle; hair flowing 
with gold or silver band around head ; bracelets, rings and 
other ornaments ; sandals. 



1 



RUTH 7 

In other scenes, she is the witlow, dignified and religious, 
wearing black garments; strings of coins (the widnw'^ 
dowry) across front of cap; necklace of coins — beads in.iv 
be substituted for coins. (See frontispiece). The widow's 
headdress is a closefitting, stiff, black cap about six inches 
high with black veil draped over it and hanging down back, 
!>ut not over face. 

For wedding, see description of costume. Act Third, Scene 
ill. 

( )RpnA — Aged IS. Attractive and gracious, but ver>' 
modest and reserved. Costumes same as for Ruth — In Act 
Second her robe should be pink or blue, black for the widow. 

Naomi — In Act First, aged 50. Gentle matron with gray 
hair, gray robe and mantle ; veil over head reaching to 
hips. Sandals. 

In Act Second, aged 60. White hair; wrinkled face, and 
mourning garments. 

For wedding scene, Naomi wears gray, same as in Act 
I'irst. 

Friends of the Bridegroo.m — Young men wearing long 
robes and mantles. If j)ossil)le, use colors of blue, scarlet 
and pur])le. 

ViRGi.NS — Young ladies wearing white robes, mantles and 
veils. 

HkiDESMAin.s — "N'oung ladies wearing white robe*% and 
mantles; hair flowing with garlands of flowers on heads; 
carrying flowers. 

Neighbor Women — Costumes similar to Naomi's, but 
may be of various colors. 

LIST OF PROPERTIES. 

Act I. 

Medium sized table. 

Cupboard. 

I'.ench. 

fwo plain chairs. 

Vwo candles in candlestick. 

Dark tablecloth. 



8 RUTH 

Earthenware vessels, steins, etc. 

Waterpot. (May be large, dark vase with handles.) 

Stacks of folded clothing for bundles. 

Packages for neighbor women. 

Two cruses, for oil and wine. (Small, dark vases with 

handles.) 
Staff for Elimelech. (Rod or stick five or six feet long.) 

Act II. 

Green curtains (if preferred). 

Green coverings for cupboard and table. 

Green covering for bench if desired. 

Palms, ferns and blooming plants. 

Extra benches or tables for plants (optional). 

Bunch of flowers (may be artificial) for Ruth. 

Wreath for Naomi's head. 

Act III. 

Handsome coverings for table and cupboard. 

Two or more candelabras with candles. 

Fur rug for bench. 

Fur rugs for floor, if desired. 

Two upholstered chairs (pulpit chairs will serve). 

Staff for Benjamin. 

Bundle of barley (any kind of grain) for Ruth. 

The Wedding Scene. 

Canopy (umbrella) trimmed with crepe paper and spangles. 
Raised seat under canopy. 

Garlands of flowers for Boaz, Ruth and Bridesmaids. 
Ornaments for Ruth. 

Face veil for Ruth. (Chiffon or cheesecloth.) 
Beads for Boaz. 

Half-candles in low candlesticks for Ten Virgins. 
Torches for Friends of Bridegroom. 
Gong — to be off stage. 

Scroll for the Priest. (May be small, mounted map or 
calendar.) 



KUTII 
Scene Plot. 

— t. ICupboA'^l ^ "^ 

Door at Right ' ' Ooor at Loft 

I Chair D I Tabia | D Chair \ 

/ I Bonoh I \ 

Act I— The Home in Bethlehem. 



-L. ICupboa*^] I B«nc h ] I Tabia 
Ooor at Right" ' ' ' 



Flowar Banch 




Act II — .\ Flower Garden in Moab. 
(Extra benches suggested for flower pots.) 

— t- [Cupboard 1 I Tabic I i — 1 A_ 

.tRIoht" ' " ' I »•"<=" I OooratL.ft 

Chair Q \ 

Act III — Home of Hoaz in Bethlehem. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage; C, center; L., left. The actor is 
supiK)sed to be facing the audience. 




NOTICE TO AMATEURS. 

This dramatization of the beautiful Bible story of "Ruth" 
is arranged especially for the use of religious organiza- 
tions, such as Sunday Sc1uk)1s, Mis^^ionary. 'reniperance and 
Young People's Societies, Young Women's Christian Asso- 
ciations and churches, as well ;i< f'"- - 1h...1s ..ml colleges. 



10 RUTH 

It is suggested that costumes for the male characters may 
be borrowed from clergymen or from Masonic bodies, and 
those for the female characters from members of vested 
choirs. 

However, when not otherwise available, and for persons 
not wishing to incur the expense of making the costumes, 
suitable garments may be improvised by using dark skirts 
with dark shirts and belts for men, and for women full 
skirts with blouses and girdles or sashes of the desired 
colors. Shawls and scarfs may be used as mantles for the 
women, and big shawls or capes as mantles for the men. 
The sandals may be made of pasteboard with dark cloth 
straps and worn over white hosiery, or they may be omitted 
entirely. 

The white robes, mantles and veils for the Ten Virgins 
may be made of cheesecloth. 

It will be observed that the cupboard, table and bench 
used in the first scene are retained on the stage throughout 
the play, thus simplifying the settings. Different effects, 
however, are easily obtained by using the various coverings 
suggested for the furniture, and changing position of table 
and bench. The cupboard may remain stationary, or be 
removed if desired. 

In the flower garden scene (see Scene Plot) it is sug- 
gested that extra benches may be used for holding flower 
pots. However, the pots may be arranged on the floor 
without benches, and the effect still be attractive. 

Wherever possible, make use of earthenware vessels, 
urns, steins and waterpots, such as are usually seen in Bible 
pictures. Crockery ware and large, dark vases with handles 
may be utilized for this purpose and will tend to give the 
necessary Oriental touch to the various scenes. 

For al fresco productions, this play may be easily staged 
on the lawn or campus. 



RUTH 



Act I. 
Scene I : The houtc m Hctltli'hcnt. DarK mrtitms iiamj 
at back of stage; plain table, bench and tico plain chairs 
stand at C". ; cloth of dark color, t7co burning candles, icater- 
pot and stein on table; cupboard at R. in rear ; empty vessels 
in cupboard. Lights out. Doleful music takes up curtain 
Enter Xaomi from R. She goes to cupboard, takes up 
essels one after another, looks into each and turns it upside 
doti-n ; shakes head sadly, puts vessels on table; zcalks to and 
fro, zcringing her hands in despair, pauses at C. 
\'aomi — 

*Tis night and time fur tlic evening meal ; 
I care not for myself, if there be no food, 
Rut for my husl)and and my sons. 
It breaks my heart to see them hungry. 

(Clasps hands and looks upward.) 
IIow long, O Lord, must this endure? {JTeeps.) 

Enter M.milox from R. 

Mahlon (entering hastily) — 

I am glad thou art here, moilicr! [Stops suddenly.) 
Xaomi (turning toward him) — 

Would that I were not here, my son, 

For as the Lord thy (jod liveth 

I have not a morsel for thee. 
(Goes toward table, indicates empty vessels, sinks down 
upon bench icith arms and head on table and weeps; 
Mahlon steps beside her and lays hand upon her head.) 

Enter Ciiii.ion from R. 
Chilion — 

Mother, I'm hungry! 
(Stops, then goes toward Xaomi and sits beside her.) 
Why art thou troubled? (Tries to console her.) 



12 RUTH 

Enter Elimelech from R. Seeing Naomi weeping he 
pauses and thinks; looks at empty vessels on table; indi- 
cates that he understands the cause of her grief and attempts 
to comfort her. 

Elimelech — 

Naomi, beloved wife of my youth, 

And Mahlon and Chilion, my two sons, 

I would have speech with, you 

Concerning a matter that lieth heavily on my heart; 

I speak of the famine in the land of Canaan. 

Would that it might please God to stay the curse 

That is sorely oppressing the children of Israel ; 

But, even now the lean hand of want hath reached out 

And caught our native city of Bethlehem 

In its cruel grasp. 

If we stay here we starve! 

I am minded to take my wife and sons 

And go over into the land of Moab. 
Mahlon — 

Mayhap the famine extendeth there, father. 
Elimelech — 

Not so, Mahlon, as I have heard. 

For a messenger from Moab 

Hath told me that in his country 

The people have bread to eat. 
Naomi — 

The place lieth eastward beyond Jordan ; 

'Tis a long, long journey; 

How should we ever travel so far ? 
Chilion — 

On our feet, mother sweet! {All smile.) 

But fear not ; when thou art awear}^ 

We shall carry thee in our arms. 

(Naomi pats him on shoidder and smiles.) 
Elimelech — 

True, the journey is a long one; 

But with, courage in our hearts, 



RUTH 13 

And faith in our God, 

W'l- mav hope to reach the land in safety. 

(Naomi weeps.) 

Thou knowcst, Naomi, how it pricvcs my heart 
rhat I must take thcc away from Canaan, 
And away from thy kinspeoplc .in Israel, 
To dwell among strangers in a far country. 
And yet, mayhaj) the Lord will hless us, 
AikI give increase to our flocks and herds, 
Till he shall remove the curse from His people. 
And we shall return joyfully to Bethlehem. 

f Xaomi looks up and smiUs.) 

Let us put our trust in Jehovah, 
(Raises hands toward heaven, the others lyo7i' heads.) 
Who is ahle to keep us and feed us, 
.\nd bring us into the land of Moab. 

(Soft music and slow curtain.) 
Scene II: Same as Scene I. The home in Bethlehem. 
Three days later. Table and bench pushed back against 
wall; several 'vessels on table; stacks of folded clothing on 
table and bench ready to tie into bundles. Klimelech is 
discovered at table packing -vessels bet-ween clothing. Knock 
on L. door. 

Enter P.n az from I.. 

Elimelech {hoiving) — 

The Lord bless thee. 
BOAZ {bo^cing) — 

The I^rd be with thee. (Steps nearer.) 

I liave heard, h'limelcch, 

That thou art preparing to leave Canaan. 

And art going to sojourn in the land of Moab. 

Elimelech — 

Yes, Brother Boaz, it is even so 
As thou hast heard. 



14 RUTH 

Enter Naomi from R. 
BoAZ (bowing in response to Naom^s curtsey) — 
It troubleth my soul, Naomi, 
That thou shouldst depart 
From thy native Bethlehem. 

Naomi — 

As the Lord willeth, my brother, 
So shall it be. 

BoAZ (turning to Elimelech) — 

But when the famine is over, Elimelech, 
We shall expect thee to return. 
Knock on L. door. Naomi goes to door. The men step 
aside where they may not be seen readily by any one enter- 
ing. Several ivomen cotne in; they carry packages which 
they place on table ; one after another the women hug and 
kiss Naomi; tzuo of them turn aside and wipe tears from 
their eyes. 

First Woman — 

We are come, Naomi, 

To bid thee farewell. 
(Several women biisiy themselves at table making bundles.) 
Second Woman — 

And we have dressed a kid 

That thou shouldst take it 

For food upon the way. 

Third Woman — 

And I have fetched a cruse of oil, 
That thou mayest anoint thy feet 
When they are sore and weary from travel. 

(Gives cruse to Naomi.) 
Fourth Woman (producing small-sized vase with handle) 
And I have fetched a little wine. 
Lest thou shouldst fall ill by the wayside. 
V (Gives vase to Naomi.) 



KUTH 15 

{In the mcaittnitr the 'iomcn at the table ha:e beeti pick- 
ing up the folded clothes from the bench and stacking them 
on table; one uoman ha,^ a stack so high that they begin 
falling off; she picks them up and replaces them; they fail 
off again and again upon the bench and upon the floor. 
The two men, who haze been amusing themselves Hatching 
the women, noxc step foncard and offer assistance in pick- 
ing up thin</s. The 7vomen. surprised at the presence of the 
men. become : cry dignified and begin curtseying to the men 
one after another. At this point Mahuin and Ciiilion 
enter quickly from R.. but seeing what is going on, the\ 
place hands over mouths and step back, then peek through 
the half-opened door. IVhen the last 'coman begins curt- 
seying, let the curtain fall.) 

Curtain. 



Act II. 



Scene I : ./ fioicer garden in Moab. Same furniture as 
in Act I. Chairs may be removed if desired. To simplify 
the setting, cupboard and table need not be remoxed. but 
may be coiered with green cloth, and flowers and plants 
placed upon them. Table stands at L. in rear. Bench at 
L. in front. Green curtains at back of stage would be effect- 
i:e. Palms, ferns and blooming plants should be used in 
profusion. It is suggested that e.rtra benches may be used 
for holding pots of flowers. {See Scene Plot.) 

Lively music takes up curtain. Maiilon and Ri'Tii are 
discovered in the garden at A. Mahijin gives RiTii /)i<Mr/i 
of flowers. She swells them, thrusts them under Maiilon's 
nose and toys with them 7i'hile he makes love to her. Their 
attention is attracted by talking and laughter off stage at H. 

Orpha and Chilion enter laughing. Ruth Xi'oves at 
them. As they approach she thrusts her flozuers under the 
nose of each. 
Orpha (laughing) — 

What tliinkcst tliou. Ruth. 
Of this young man ? 



16 RUTH 

He is hardly of age yet, 
And two years younger than Mahlon, 
But he hath said that we must be married 
Before Mahlon and thou shalt wed. 
What thinkest thou of that? (All laugh.) 

Mahlon (looking at Orpha) — 

Methinks Chilion hath wise thoughts 

For one so young. 

Howbeit, I am the elder son, 

And right of choice belongeth to me ; 

But let us consider the thing. (Thinks a moment.) 

What think ye of a double wedding? 

Chilion (delightedly) — 

Naught else could please me more. 

When shall it be, Orpha? (Takes her hand.) 

Mahlon — 

When shall it be, Ruth? 

(Takes her hand. Ruth thrust her flowers under 
Mahlon's nose. The two couples^ zvalk toward L. and talk 
in low tones. Naomi enters from R. Unseen by the others 
she looks upon their happiness and smiles, then, indicating 
her mourning garments, buries her face in her hands and 
weeps.) 

Orpha (turning and seeing Naomi) — 
Behold, the mother is come! 

(Ruth and Mahlon go to Naomi. Mahlon takes her 
hands from her face.) 

Mahlon (gently) — 

Why grieve us with thy weeping? 
We would comfort thee. 

(Naomi lifts her head. Chilion and Orpha approach. 
Chilion stands beside Naomi and tries to console her.) 

Naomi (looking at Chilion) — 
It is for thy father I mourn. 



RUTH 17 

Chilion (sadly) — 

True, father is no longer with us, 
But he was good, and full of years. 
And it pleased God to take him. 

Ruth (tenderly) — 

Dry thy tears, sweet mother. 

And weep no more. (Kisses Naomi.) 

Mahlon — 

Hath not the Lord blessed thee 

With two strong sons? 

And hath He not left them unto thee 

As the staff of thine old age ? 

We would not have thee mourn. 

Naomi (reaching out a hand toward each of the sons; they 
take her hands.) 
God bless my sons, I dry my tears, 
"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. 
Blessed be the name of the Lord." 
(Naomi looks from one to another and smiles. Ruth 
takes her by the hand and leads her toward the bench. Soft 
music.) 

Ruth — 

We are glad thou art come. 
(Thrusts her flozvers under Naomi's nose and sits beside 
her on the bench.) 

Thou shalt make merry with us 

Here in the flower garden. 

(Begins making a garland of her flowers. The others 
bring her more flozvers. Have the ready-made garland con- 
venient and Orpha can slip it into Ruth's lap. Ruth 
fastens a feiv of her flowers to it, then places it on Naomi's 
head.) 

Behold our Mother Queen! (All smile upon Naomi.) 

Curtain. 



18 RUTH 

Scene II : Same as Scene I. The floiver garden. Some- 
time later. Naomi is discovered sittijig on bench and weep- 
ing. She arises and zvalks to and fro. Doleful music. SJic 
pauses at L. with hack toward R., buries face in hands and 
sobs audibly. 

Orpha enters from R., and seeing Naomi weeping, buries 
her face in hands and zveeps loudly. Naomi turns and see- 
ing Orpha distressed, goes to her, puts her arms about the 
girl and tries to comfort her. 
Naomi — 

Orpha, my daughter, it grieveth me much 

Because thou art so sad. 
Orpha — 

Never again shall I be happpy, 

For God hath taken away my husband, 

Who was thy son, ChiHon. 
Naomi — 

Do I not know all the sadness of thine heart? 

Yea, and more, for years ago, 

When first I came into the land of Moab, 

God took away my husband — and now 

My sons also have died. 

(Lays her head on Orphans shoidder and weeps.) 
Enter Ruth from L. She looks upon Naomi and Orpha, 
who are zueeping in each other's^ arms, goes to them and 
gathers them both in her arms. They all weep silently a 
moment, then separate slightly, still zveeping. 
Ruth — 

My mother, Naomi, and my sister, Orpha, 

Doth not my heart share your grief? 

For God hath taken my husband also. 
Naomi — 

Yea, Ruth, my child, thou art very young 

To be afflicted with so great a sorrow. 
Ruth — 

Mother beloved, thou speakest true; 

But God is merciful to all, 



kUTH 19 

Ami \vc sorrow not as those who have no hope. 
Let us lift up our faces toward the hills. 

( Looks ufmard. ) 
Whence cometh our help. 

(.-/// look upzi'ord unci raise hands toward heaven. Soft 
music and curtain.) 

Scene III: Same as Scene II. The ftoiver garden. 
KiTii and Orpiia in mourning garments discovered at L. 
engaged in lo'v conversation. Soiv and then RuTii stoops 
to pluck a flo-ivcr. Naomi enters from R. and hastens 
toward the young 7i'omeft. RfTii, obsening Naomi's r.r- 
citement, drops her flowers and reaches out both hands to 
take Naomi's. 

Rl-tii— 

What message dost thou hring. sweet mother? 
X Ao M I ( e.vc it edly ) — 

I have heard how the Lord hath visited his people. 

In giving them bread. 
* >rpha — 

And dost thou think of leaving Moab 

And returning unto thy people? 
Xaomi — 

Thou hast said, my daughter ; 

And for that reason let us talk together. 

Lo, these many years have I been sojourning 

In the land of Moab — ten long years! 

My husband and my sons have died here; 

.\\v\ now that I am growing old 

My heart yearns for mine own kinsmen. 

And I am minded to return unto them. 

To go back and dwell in Bethlehem. 

Orpiia — 

And wilt thou leave us thus bereaved? 
Ruth — 

Sweet mother, tarry yet awhile; 

We would not have thee go. 



20 . RUTH 

Naomi — 

My children, ye know what love I bear you ; 

And how it grieveth me to leave ; 

Yet it were better for you 

To remain in the land of Moab, 

The place where ye were born, 

And where your kinsmen live, 

Than to go with me into Canaan 

And dwell among strangers. 
{The daughters are troubled and turn aside weeping.) 

Go, therefore, and return each of you 

Unto her mother's house ; 

May the Lord deal kindly with you, 

As ye have dealt with the dead and with me. 

If it please God, I would that ye marry again : 

And if so, may ye find rest, each of you. 

In the house of her husband. 
(Naomi kisses Orpha and Ruth and they lift up their 
voices and weep.) 
Ruth and Orpha {in unison) — 

Nay, but we will go with thee 

Unto thy people. 
Naomi — 

Not so, my daughters, turn ye again. 

And God grant that each of you 

May find rest in her mother's house. 

It grieveth. me that the hand of the Lord 

Is gone forth against me. 

And now in mine old age I am left alone ; 

Alone, for I have no near relative, 

And I must return unto my kinsmen empty. {Weeps.) 

Orpha {embraces and kisses Naomi) — 

Farewell, sweet mother, be it as thou wilt. 
Unto mine own people I now return; 
Farewell, and peace be with thee. 
(Orpha kisses Naomi and also kisses Ruth, drops head 

in hands and starts^ out L. Naomi and Ruth watch her 



1 



RUTH 21 

sadly as she leaves them. Orpha turns back to Ruth, indi- 
cating that Ruth go zvith her. Ruth shakes her head and 
throivs her arms about Naomi's neck. Naomi's arms 
quickly encircle the girl. They hold each other tightly while 
Orpha passes out. At door Orpha turns back, shakes head 
sadly, buries face in hands and exits. Ruth and Naomi 
weep on each other's shoulder.) 

Naomi {indicating the zvay Orpha has gone)— 
Behold ! Thy sister-in-law has gone back 
Unto her people and unto her god ; 
Return thou after thy sister-in-law. 

Ruth (still clinging to Naomi, makes her strong and con- 
zincing speech) — 
"Entreat me not to leave thee, 
And to return from following after thee ; 
For whither thou goest, I will go, 
And where thou lodgest, I will lodge ; 
Thy people shall be my people, 
And thy God my God ; 
Where thou diest, will I die, 
And there will I be buried. 
The Lord do so to me. 
And more also. 
If aught but death part thee and me." 

Curtain. 



Act III. 

Scene I: Home of the zvealthy Boaz in Bethlehem. 
The cupboard and table in last act may be utilized by throw- 
ing handsome coverings over same. Cover bench zvith fur 
rug. Place table at rear C, bench at rear L.; replace the 
plain chairs with upholstered ones. Pulpit chairs zvill serve 
nicely. Waterpot and stein should be on table. If desired, 
use fur rugs on floor. Two or three palms or ferns might 
be shown. 



22 RUTH 

Enter Boaz from R. 
BoAZ {enters in a rage and looks about) — 

Benjamin not here? 

Methinks my Chief Servant is growing indolent ! 

It hath been sometime now 

Since I did summon him 

To come into my presence. {Goes to L. and looks out.) 

If I mistake not, he is approaching; 

Yea, he is hastening this way. 

{Paces the floor impatiently.) 
Enter Benjamin from L. 
Benjamin {bowing) — 

Thou didst send for me, my lord? 
Boaz {exhibiting anger) — 

Even so. I Avould have speech with thee 

Concerning a matter that happened today 

In the barley field. 

Occasion took me thence 

At an early hour; 

I bethought me to go and see 

How the maidens were faring 

About their gleaning. 

And whilst I was standing by, 

And looking upon the harvest, 

I beheld one of the reapers, 

Methinks he is called Jacob, 

Attempting to reproach a maiden 

And forbidding her to glean after him. 

His conduct angered me and I rebuked him, 

And commanded him to return to his reaping. 
Benjamin — 

Well done, my lord ! 

I, too, have rebuked Jacob 

For unseemly conduct. 
Boaz {surprised) — 

Why hast thou not told me ? 

Thou knowest I have charged the young men 



RUTH 23 

To be watchful and kind in their conduct 

Toward the maidens in the field. 

Now I call thee to an accounting 

Of thy stewardship ; 

Why wast thou absent at early morn, 

When I had set thee over the reapers? 

Hadst thou been there, 

My wrath had been spared. 

Benjamin (bowing very low) — 

Have patience with me, my lord, 
I entreat thee, have patience, 
And barken unto my words : 
One of the reapers fell ill today, 
And I must needs depart 
And minister unto him. 
And thus Jacob took advantage. 

BoAZ (inore calmly) — 

Thy reason is sufficient. 
(Benjamin bozvs very low and makes as if to leave.) 
Hold, Benjamin, there is more I would know: 
Tell me about this maiden. 
She seemeth to be a stranger, 
And withal a comely young person. 
Whose damsel is this? 

Benjamin — 

It is the young woman 

That came with Naomi 

Out of the land of Moab ; 

And she hath said unto us: 

"Let me glean, I pray you, 

And gather after the reapers 

Among the sheaves." 

So we permitted her. 

And she hath continued gleaning 

From the morning until now. 



24 RUTH 

BoAZ (aside) — 

It must be Ruth, the Moabitess, 

The widow of my nephew, Mahlon. 
(To Benjamin.) 

Let her glean, I pray you, 

And do not reproach her; 

Let fall some handfuls on purpose; 

Let her glean and rebuke her not. 

And now return to thy overseeing, 

And speak to the damsel 

That she come to me ; 

I would have speech with her. 
Benjamin (bowing) — 

Even so, my lord; 

Thy will shall be obeyed. 
(Benjamin bows lozv and exits L. Boaz, still exhibiting 
anger, drazvs his mantle about him, folds arms and paces 
floor. Suitable music shoidd be played. As he walks he 
relaxes, unfolds arms and gradually becomes calm. Knock 
on L. door.) 
BoAZ — 

Enter. 

Enter Ruth from L. She comes in timidly with arm full 
of barley and bows very low. 

BOAZ — 

Arise, and hearken unto me, my daughter. 
(As Ruth lifts herself up she looks at Boaz, seems sur- 
prised and steps backward.) 

Ah, thou dost recognize me. 
Ruth (bowing low) — 

Yea, my lord, thou art the man 

Who showed me much kindness 

In the field today, 

When one of the reapers 

Reproached me for gleaning. 

May the Lord bless thee. 



RUTH 25 

BoAZ {bowing) — 

As thou wilt, my daughter. 

And now hearken unto my words: 

I would not have thee go to glean 

In a field that belongeth to another man ; 

I pray thee to abide in my field 

And stay close by the maidens who glean there ; 

And follow thou after them; 

And when thou art athirst 

Go to the vessels and drink 

Of the water the young men have drawn. 
Ruth (bozving) — 

Most noble sir, thou art truly kind ; 

Why have I found favor in thy sight ? 

Why art thou so kind to me? 

I am only a stranger here. 

BOAZ — 

It hath been fully shown to me 
All the kindness thou hast done 
Unto thy mother-in-law, 
Since the death of thine husband ; 
How thou hast left thy father and mother, 
And the land of thy nativity, 
Where the people worship idols. 
And art come into the land of Canaan 
To serve the true God ; 
May the Lord bless thee, my daughter, 
Even the God of Israel, 
And give reward for thy labor. 
Ruth (bowing) — 

Thou hast comforted me. 

And hast spoken kindly unto me ; 

May the Lord bless thee. (Boaz bozvs slowly.) 

Curtain. 

Scene II : Same as Scene I. Home of Boaz. Several 
weeksi later. Night of the harvest feast. Use lighted can- 
dles in candelabras. Lively mn^sic, talking and laughter is 



26 RUTH 

heard behind the scenes, echoes from the feasting revelers. 
As the curtain goes up the music and noise ceases. 

Enter Benjamin from L. 
Benjamin {looking around in surprise) — 

Ah, the master not here! 

Yet, if I mistake not, 

He bid me meet him here 

After the feast. 

'Tis strange that he should summon me 

At this hour of the night. {Has an idea.) 

Methinks I know the reason. 

For after the feast 

I beheld Boaz and Ruth 

Standing aside. 

And having speech together. 

My master loveth the damsel! {Chuckles to himself.) 

But the hour groweth late 

And I ought to be abed. {Sinks into an easy chair.). 

Rest thee, Benjamin, 

Till the master cometh. 
{Leans hack, yawns, closes eyes, now and then snores 
loudly. Soft music.) 

Enter Boaz from R. 
Boaz {merely glancing at Benjamin, zvalks across stage 
tozvard a chair at L., speaking as he goes) — 
What kept thee so late, Benjamin? {No answer.) 

What kept thee so late? 
{Louder. No ansT.ver. Boaz draws his chair up beside 
Benjamin, sits dozvn and sei:>es him by the arm.) 

Speak to me, Benjamin. (Benjamin snores loudly.)* 
Asleep? Thou sluggard! 
(Boaz laughs, stands and looks down upon Benjamin, 
who snores again.) 

A little more sleep, 

A little more slumber. {Thinks.) 

But he must awaken 

And harken unto me. 



RUTH 27 

(Shakes Benjamin, who snores, yawns and stretches.) 
Benjamin (sleepily) — 

What wilt thou, my lord? 
BoAZ (shaking him) — 

I will that thou sh.ouldst awaken. 
Benjamin (wide awake and apologetic) — 

Forgive me, my lord. (Stands quickly and bows.) 

Sleep hath overtaken me unawares ; 

Forgive, I entreat thee, forgive. 
BoAZ (smiling) — 

I forgive, now sit thee down. 
(Motions Benjamin to resKume his seat. Both sit dozun.) 

Benjamin, thou art my Chief Servant, 

Wherefore, harken unto me! 

Tomorrow there is to be sold in the market-place, 

Hard by the city gate, a parcel of land 

Which did belong to my kinsman, Elimelech ; 

Naomi, which was his wife, and is come again 

Out of the country of Moab, 

Selleth the land; 

And whoso buyeth the field of Naomi 

Must also take unto himself 

Ruth, the Moabitess, 

The daughter-in-law of Naomi, 

To be his lawful wife. 

And the elders and the people 

Shall be witnesses thereof. 

Understandest thou this? 
Benjamin (nodding) — 

Yea, my lord. 

And has a kinsman so agreed ? 
BoAZ (stands, folds arms, paces the floor in thought, then 
steps beside Benjamin, zvho also rises) — 

Harken, and thou shalt know. 

There is a kinsman nearer than I, 

Who should redeem the land 

And marry the widow of my nephew ; 



28 RUTH 

But he hath said unto me 
That he could not redeem it, 
And hath asked me to buy the land ; 
And, according to the custom 
Concerning redeeming and changing. 
He drew off his shoe 
And gave it to his neighbor. 
Benjamin — 

And wilt thou redeem the land. 
And marry the young woman? 

BOAZ — 

That is my duty, as next of kin, 

And hkewise my pleasure. 
Benjamin {offering his hand) — 

May the Lord bless thee and thy wife; 

And give increase to thy flocks and herds. 

And make thee a mighty man in Israel. 
BoAZ (shaking Benjamin's hand) — 

May it be even so, Benjamin, 

As thou hast said. 

Curtain. 

Scene III : Same as Scene II. The home of Boaz. 
Decorate with ferns, palms and fioivers. At the center of the 
stage, a canopy should he arranged, under which the bride 
and bridegroom sit or stand during the simple ceremony. 
According to Hastings this canopy formed the most inter- 
esting feature at a lavish zvedding. It zvas erected in tJic 
center of the room zvhere the guests were to assemble, and 
zvas made of palm branches and embroidered cloth. It zvas 
suggestive of the dome above the pulpit and gave to the 
wedding the appearance of a coronation. Also, newly 
zvedded persons of both sexes zvore crozvns or garlands on 
their wedding day. A suitable and attractive canopy may 
be made zvith a large umbrella, such as is used on delivery 
wagons. This could be covered zvith dark green crepe 
paper, trimmed zvith spangles or tinsel and decorated zvith 
leafy branches or trailing vines. Directly under the canopy 



RUTH 29 

shoHild he placed a raised seat, hack of which palms and 
flozvers should he hanked. Many hurning candles should 
he used. In this scene Ruth appears\ ''in fidl splendor of 
hridal array." She wears zvhite rohe, white mantle over 
shoulders, hair flozving, thin veil oz'cr head that falls dozim 
the hack nearly to feet; a garland of flozvers on head over 
veil; the face veil of the bride is fastened over the face' 
just helozv the eyes and reaches dozvn front to the feet. The 
veil and mantle may he decked zmth gold or silz^er spangles. 
She zvearsi an ornamented girdle, bracelets, heads and other 
ornaments. 

The hridegroorn appears "in splendid attire." His rohe 
may he hlack and his mantle of hlue, scarlet or purple. He 
zvears an ornamented girdle, strings of heads ahout his 
neck and a garland of flozvers upon his head. The grooms- 
man and ''friends of the bridegroom" may also zvear man- 
tles of color. There should he nine friends. 

The Ten Virgins wear zvhite robes, mantles and veils. 
The friends of the bridegroom assemble ahout the canopy, 
hut not under it, some sitting on the floor, others standing 
ahout engaged in low conversation. 
Groomsman — 

Behold, 'tis the wedding night! 

Ye friends of the bridegroom, arise, {All stand.) 

For soon the beloved must join us, 

We must have his company yet awhile, 

Before we lead him forth to claim his bride. 
First Friend — 

Yea, we must have him! 
All {in unison) — 

The bridegroom! The bridegroom! 

We must have the bridegroom ! 
Groomsman — 

Then who will arise and follow me? 

Come with me to bring him forth ! 
First Friend {stepping forzvard and bozving) — 

I am come, my friend, to follow thee. 



30 RUTH 

Second Friend {stepping forivard and bowing) — 

bridegroom forth 

{The three exeunt R.) 



And I am come to bring the bridegroom forth. 



The Others (in unison) — 

The bridegroom ! The bridegroom ! 
We must have the bridegroom ! 

Third Friend (coming foncard and addressing the 
others) — 
Yea, the words they speak are true; 
For the hour draweth nigh, and now is 
When the Royal Bridegroom 
Shall lead forth the bride 
Into his own house, 
Accompanied by the Virgins that follow her. 

Fourth Friend — 

And the nuptial songs are finished ; 

It was but a little while ago 

I heard the Virgins singing, 

And these were the words they sang: 

(Recite with much feeling.) 

"The voice of my beloved, behold he cometh, 

Leaping upon the mountains, 

Skipping upon the hills. 
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart : 

Behold he standeth behind our wall, 

He looketh in at the windows, 

He glanceth through the lattice. 
My beloved spake and said unto me: 

'Rise up, my love, my fair one, 
And come away. 

For lo, the winter is past ; 

The rain is over and gone; 

The flowers appear on the earth ; 
The time of the singing of birds is come, 

The voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our Ian;] ; 



RUTH 31 

The fig tree ripeneth her green figs, 
And the vines are in blossom ; 
They give forth their fragrance. 
Arise, my love, my fair one, 

And come away." {Gong sounds off stage.) 

Fifth Friend — 

Harken, the bridegroom approacheth! 

Enter Bridegroom and others. 
{The garlanded bridegroom and groomsman enter, fol- 
lozved by the other two friends. They walk once around 
the canopy, then the bridegroom takes his seat beneath it.) 
Groomsman — 

Behold, O Friends, the worthy bridegroom, 

With the crown wherewith his mother hath crowned 
him 

In the day of his espousals. 

And in the day of the gladness of his heart ! 
The Friends {in unison) — 

The bridegroom ! The bridegroom ! 

All hail to the bridegroom ! 
BoAZ {standing and bowing this zvay and that) — 

Blessings on my friends ; 

For ye do honor me tonight 

With your worthy presence ; 

And my heart rejoices to know 

That ye shall accompany me 

Unto the home of my bride; 

And after the wedding is over 

Here ye shall abide for seven days, 

Rejoicing with me in feasting and song, 

And the telling and solving of riddles. 
The Friends {gathering about the canopy) — 

The riddle! The riddle! 

Put forth the riddle! 
BoAZ {lifting his hand for silence) — 

Do ye not know how it is written 

That the mighty Sampson, upon his nuptial day, 



32 RUTH 

Put forth this riddle unto his friends: 
"Out of the eater came forth food; 

Out of the strong came forth sweetness." 

(Friends nod to one another.) 

And they could not within the seven days 
Of the wedding feast declare it unto him. 

{All nod understandingly.) 

The riddle I now put forth is this : 

*'Who is it that looketh forth as the morning, 

Fair as the moon, pure as the sun, 

Terrible as an army with banners?" 
{The Friends begin thinking, nozu and then one smiles, 
others shake heads doubtfully.) 

Whoso can declare this riddle unto me. 

Within the seven days of the feast, 

To him will I give thirty Hnen garments ; 

But if ye cannot declare it 

Ye shall give to me thirty linen garments. 

{Resumes Jiis seat. Gong sounds off stage.) 
Groomsman {stepping forward) — 

'Tis time to light our torches 

And go forth to claim the bride. 
{All stand. Groomsman goes to R. door and some one 
off stage gives him tzi'o burning torches. He returns and 
gives one to First Friend, the other eight friends go to R. 
door and each in turn is given a burning torch. Grooms- 
man and First Friend step beside the canopy and Boaz 
steps dozvn and takes\ his place bet-ween them. A procession 
is formed as the others fall in line by twos; all march to 
music once around the canopy and then off at L.) 

Enter the Ten Virgins from R. The Virgins carry 
lighted half-candles in low candlesticks, representing the- 
ancient lamp, march across the stage by twos, then disperse, 
some sitting, other standing about in groups and conversing, 
but each carefully guarding her light. 



RUTH 33 

First Virgin — 

It seemeth so like a tale that is told. 

Two Virgins (in unison) — 
What seemeth so? 

First Virgin — 

This marriage of Boaz and Ruth. 

'Twas but a little while ago 

That she was a poor gleaner 

Out in the barley field ; 

And tonight she weds the master, 

The wealthy Boaz. 
Second Virgin — 

She is a worthy woman, 

And we should rejoice with her 

Upon this her marriage day. 

Third Virgin — 

Methinks her love for Naomi 

Passeth all understanding. 

And since the death of Naomi's husband. 

And also the two sons, 

The daughter-in-law which loveth her 

Hath been better than seven sons. 

Fourth Virgin (going to L. door and looking out) — 

The hour of midnight draweth nigh; 

Let us arise and trim our lamps, 

Lest the bridegroom when he cometh 

Should not find us watching. 

(Gong off stage at L. strikes tzvelve.) 
Virgins (in unison, suddenly lifting fingers and listening) — 

Hark! 
(As the last stroke sounds the Priest enters from L,, 
and, standing in the doorway, speaks very solemnly.) 

Priest — 

Behold, the bridegroom cometh. 
Go ye out to meet him. 



34 RUTH 

(TJie Virgins arise, examine their lights and form a pro- 
cession by twos; march to the music across stage and off 
at L. After a brief pause the wedding march begins.) 

Enter wedding party from R. First in the procession 
come the Ten Virgins carrying their lighted candles. They 
enter by tzvos, march to center in front of canopy, separate 
and anarch diagonally to R. and L., each couple follozving 
the last until they stand, five at each end facing the center; 
next enter the Ten Friends of the bridegroom, carrying 
torches. They march in same manner as Virgins and take 
their places at each end of stage, standing directly behind 
the Virgins. Then the Priest enters with scroll in hand, 
walks past the front of canopy and stands at left of it. 
BoAZ and Ruth follozv, she leaning upon his arm. They 
stand under canopy, facing audience. Naomi and brides- 
maid enter and stand at right of canopy. Any number of 
bridesmaids may be used. The Priest stepsi in front of 
canopy, facing bridal party, and holds open scroll in hands 
as if reading; lays scroll aside and reaches out both hands 
above the heads of Boaz and Ruth. The others bozv heads. 
Soft music continues during the silent ceremony. Let cur- 
tain fall slowly while all heads are bozved as if in prayer. 

Curtain. 



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SYN*(>I»SIS 

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.or. 
the 

i.-iiM'^ I'll: :..i'i:ii i ..• i-mii ..i ■. < :ii-iiii.lN lUk'I.I. lill.l (ulltf 

aiilcrp In a ilwilr iiihI ilri-.iins a •li-.ttn. 

A't !I —Scene I — T»>«- .!r.iim ..f i..fi;r ntrr,. .Inhn Wnrvfy iralna 

■ * ' ■' ' ■ ■ lov»>. T' i-.M In ntndo 

ami tl). tx put Into 

m.l th. Scene II— 

\\i..M.- !.s I ,ii/.,ir..t!i ■ II'..- 1 laizulK'th makea 

a dramati*' ontrun««» jin«l bi \ .h. 

A<-t III.- HIta awaki'K. I • lUf In dlsrusaed. 

Another in>i*t«'rlt>uH tap|>ln);. H. s u iit:iiK fi-r ni«» — at tlu* end 
of Ihr »ft rrt pji.M.saK'". the vame as in the lonK. long ago!" 

Abbu San of Old Japan 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 

Price 25 Cents 

Comedy-drama In 2 arts; l.'i females. Time, about 2 hours. 

Scene: A simple Interior. Characters: Abbu San, duuKhter of 

Tiajesty. I>urhe8» FuJl-no. I^dy Yu-Klrl. MlHt «»f the Kven- 

O MatNuka San and <> Kikii San. nialds of lionor. Ohano, 

• »f the bandit ehlef. NatHU-no. hoHteHS of tlie Inn "Million 

okukii. ulster of the Ox, a i><»rter at tlie Inn. I'ml, 

Yas4i. peasant maids. Henrietta Hash, an AnnrUan 

.A'lnt I'rinullse. a bhu'k mammy. Madam MasaKo, 

i:..i; ()n«i. her niald of all work. 

A In play <>onstru(*tlon, l>rlstllnfc with ln«l- 

d.r.' ih «oniedv. The plnv !« pr.'-. nt. ■! after 

w .Ia< ket." th« inK 

( aiKlleni e an«l t inK 

tl,. .lifTerent rl, .-at 

itlcularly .suili-.l i... I'.i- Ilihiutu- 

the rharaeters of Pujl-no and 

i\y and effective drama lie work 

liie who lnii^.s for "ole VlrKlnnv" Is a eoine»ly 

1 note. nanees aiul son»t numbers from Ml- 

bv ti.K ti-\t but these may be »flven or not at 

y. A pletureH«iue and Vt-ry efTeetlvo 

a distinct plot that will lnter«Hi un<l 

-lable for schools, colleKes. dubs or 

chuicheS. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY. Publishers 

154 W . Kandolph Street, CHICAGO 



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Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 4 males, 7 females (5 are children). 
Time, 21^ hours. Scene: 1 interior. Characters: Mrs. Tubbs, 
the sunshine of Shantytown. Miss Clingie Vine, her lady boarder, 
real genteel. Mrs. Hielcey, a neiglibor wlio hates gossip. Maydelle 
Campbell, the young school teacher. Simon Rubbels, the corner 
grocery man. Tom Riordan, tlie census tal<;er. Queenie, aged 
twelve. Methusalem, aged eleven. Billy, aged seven. Victoria, 
aged three. Elmira, aged ten. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Mrs. Mollie Tubbs and her happy little family in 
Shantytown. The pretty, young school teacher and the Census 
Taker have a disagreement. Mrs. Tubbs as first aid to Cupid. 
Mrs. Hickey expresses her opinion of Simon Rubbels. Miss Clingie 
Vine has her census taken. "My maw was a Virginia Hamm, and 
whenever we had company, papaw always wore full evening 
garbage." Bad news from Kansas. "There ain't no way too far 
for a mother's love. I'm going to my boy." 

Act II. — A month later. Mrs. Tubbs returns. Simon Rubbels 
decides to find a wife. "If lie ain't a red -headed hippopotamus, 
there never was one on this green eartli." A Shantytown high 
jinks with song and menagerie. Clingie Vine decides to be a siren. 
The light in the window for Jimmie. "I've got my babies, and 
I've got their love, and all the money in the world can't take that 
from me, so Mr. Simon Rubbles, the honorable Mrs. Tubbs re- 
spectfully declines your offer of matrimony." 

Act lit.— A Shantytown Thanksgiving. Mrs. Hickey brings the 
news and Miss Vine inherits a fortune. Mr. Rubbels worries Mrs. 
Tubbs again. "You kin turn me out in tlie streets tomorrow, but 
tonight this house belongs to me. Now tliere's the door and 
there's your hat. I won't detain you no longer." Miss Vine and 
the good looking grocery boy. "Jimmie, my boy, my boy!" The 
return of the Prodigal Son. "I reckon I'm the happiest woman ir 
the United States of America. My cup runnetli over, my cur 
runneth over!" MRS. TUBBS SAYS: 

"Clingie's certainly a long time makin' up her mind, but when 
she's sot a steam shovel himself couldn't unset her." 

"I hope and I trust, and wlien a person hopes and trusts fer 
a thing they ginerally git it. Everything is bound to come out 
right some time." 

"I ain't goin' to worry. There ain't no use in h'istin' your 
umbrella until it begins to rain." 

"I jest do what I have to do and make the best of it. Mr. 
Tubbs used to say that my voice would scare anything, so I jest 
try to make it scare the blues." 

"Bibulous? Bibulous, Theodore Tubbs, bibulous? Why, mister, 
that man didn't l<;now no more about the Bible than my sister's 
cat's tail. And what's more. I ain't got no sister. 

"Men is men the hull world over, and it seems jest like it's 
a man's nature to do that which they oughtn't to do, and to leave 
undone them things they ought to have did. That's Scripture." 

"What difference does money make? If you've got your youth 
and your strength and your love, that's worth all the money that 
was ever made in this whole world." 

"Love your country and stand up fer it to the last ditch. Poor 
folks can love their country jest the same as rich ones. And better." 

"Keep smiling-." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Macbeth a la Mode 

Dy WALTER LL", HAUL 

Price, 25 Cents 
School burlrtta In 3 m.i». 7 iiiul.<ii. 7 r*miil«Mi. Mlfm t#ii«>hers. 



till 

his 

I \." 

• • '• .-•:■! ' 1.1-^. .\»U'.i. ii-i.i |..uik'!i!.t jiD.l --((Ood 

.'• nil miMK to . nii.-K" Hint. Thin play la very humoroua and 
ularly uilaptxi r<>i h< h<M)lt(. 



THE WITCHES' CHANT 



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of .1 f. ,M'-. ; 



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PhvHl'". French and Kntrll-h JAt, 



Sp.r.? iTi t,..'ir nn r-ar?i or R-tt. 

All r«»r. 

Stii 

In I 'iild 

•If .an. 
Write an RnRllah twelve* twiic* 

t!i. !. . 
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N«'V the 

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'«le. 

- ■■ . ■ -. .HMl. 

Tiirh ttiv i-httriii Im thick and 

KOo<1. 
By th*» prirkinK of my thumba. 
Somethlnic wicked t h I a way 

connH. 



Reminiscences of the Donation Party 



By JESSIE A. KELLEY. 
Price, 25 Cents 



T' 



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1. b. DIiNIS(JN cS: COMPANY . I^IhIishcrs 

154 W. Kundulpli Street, CHICAGO 



Parlor Matches 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

An engaging comedy of society, 2 acts; 4 males, 5 females. 
Time, 1% hours. Scene: 1 simple interior. Characters: Vance 
Trelford, a professional hero, who doesn't want to be engaged. 
Don Radey, his cousin, a serious young man, engaged, thank you. 
i^'erdinand Poppleton, a frivolous young man, likewise engaged. 
Jorkes, the butler, who may or may not be engaged. Mrs. Seltoon, 
who believes in engagements. Margaret Seltoon, her elder daugh- 
ter, engaged to Mr. Radey. Suzanne Seltoon, her younger daughter, 
engaged to Mr. Poppleton. Gail Lawrence, her ward, engaging 
and eventually engaged. Abigail Mullen, A. B., her maid, tem- 
porarily engaged, as it were. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — A morning in June at Solitaire Villa, Dovecote. Mrs. 
Seltoon smooths out the course of true love. "Whoever heard 
of a grass widow playing a heroine in a love scene?" "Oh, it's 
one of the best things they do." Mrs. Seltoon seeking a man for 
her niece. "What is liis yearly income?" The butler's opinion 
of a woman A. B. "Near-sighted, men's shoes, short bedrabbled 
skirts, last year's hat and a banner saying Votes for Women!" 
The nfew maid who is a graduate from the Splinterville Normal. 
The moving picture hero. "Women make me nervous. I always 
keep out of their way." Symptoms of hydrophobia. "I bark, bow- 
wow-wow!" "His father is in oil and vinegar." "Is it a new kind 
of a bath?" Gail announces her engagement to the moving pic- 
ture hero. "He's liere in town!" "Fall. O walls, and crush mel" 

Act II. — A dinner party. Ferdy decides to enlist in the army. 
A reconciliation. Abigail and Adrian Lee of the movies. "Those 
eyes, that nose, it's him?" "I've seen you propose in white 
flannels, in feathers, in full evening clothes, in a sailor suit, 
and in the garbage of a monk, and every time you've won her in 
the end." Gail and her fiancee. That odious Mr. Trelford. Din- 
ner is served. Vance Trelford learns that he is engaged. "I ex- 
pected it all along." "Yes, I begin to think that I did it myself." 

Sewing for the Heathen 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 

Price, 15 Cents 

Entertainment for 9 ladies, either young or middle-aged. ' Time, 
40 minutes. Can be played on any stage or platform, or even in 
any room. Very refined. Suitable for church or any society. Char- 
acters: Mrs. Judd, the hostess. Mrs. Chester, tlie president. Mrs. 
R. B. Powers, the stranger. Grandma Gibbs, deaf but persistent. 
Miss Luella Huggins, so sentimental. Mrs. Strong, a suffragist. 
Mrs. Meeker, gentle and good. Mrs. Day, a bride. Meely, the 
hired girl. SYNOPSIS. 

An anxious hostess. Meely wants to serve winny-wurst sand- 
wiches and noodle soup. The mystery of the jardeniere. The 
President arrives before she is expected. "It was her hair; she 
hadn't got it all on yet." Red flannels for the Hottentots in the 
middle of Africa. A stranger in town, the rich Mrs. Powers. A 
trip down town. Grandma Gibbs and her ear-trumpet. The rich 
Mrs. Powers is mistaken for the dressmaker. The meeting of the 
society. A little tiff. The giddy Miss Huggins is late as usual. 
A present from tlie men. "Sewing for th e Heathen." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

PHc« IS C«nt« CacH. Postpaid. Ulil««« Dttf«r«nt Pric* I* Olv«n 



• .1. I h. 

FARCES. COMIDIKTAS. Ktc, 

n J siuntnrr » I»t* 4() rnin 4 6 



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Wrrx.f I 

Yj».»cc »■■ . ..rr, I .. . 

VAUDCVILLE SKKTCHES. MON- 
OLOaUKS. ITNIOPUN PLAYS. 



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A ffr«at ii«tmb*r •# 

Standard and Amataur Playa 

not found hora ara Hatad In 

Danloon'a Catolesua 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishtrt.lMW. RandolphSt. . Chicago 



POPULAR ENTER 




Price, Illustrated Pape 




IN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
er design. 



A Partial List 

DIALOGUES 

AM Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Brand new, original. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to' 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
M-erry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 



014 211 881 6 # 

Monologues Grave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry. 15 Nos., per No. 25c 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children frorn 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exercises, recitations. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for. children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags, etc. 

Larsre Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicago 



